Charge for the British Library? Shocked Readers React

-- Library Journal, 2/12/2007

If cuts in the budget of the British Library (BL) reach five to seven percent, the "worst case" scenario, the library could cut open hours, cut the materials budget, devastate digitization, and even impose charges for use of the reading room, according to the Guardian. In response, BL Chief Executive Lynne Brindley has issued a statement, "We are working with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to assist them to make the best case for the British Library in the current comprehensive spending review. They continue to press our case to the Treasury, but all commentators agree that this will be a tight spending review." Brindley welcomed letters in support. Meanwhile, an online petition opposing the cuts immediately drew hundreds of signatures. One apparent cause for the governmental budget-tightening: the cost of the 2012 Olympics in London.